Research In Motion Introduces Wireless Email Solution for Microsoft Exchange Users

End-to-End Solution Delivers Breakthroughs In Wireless Technology, Desktop Integration, Security, Pricing and Ease-of-Use

Waterloo, Ontario

Jan 19, 1999

"Email is now mission-critical for millions of people and the average daily message volume continues to grow steadily." said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of RIM. "Mobile users spend a significant amount of time away from their desk and are frustrated by their inability to stay connected to their email. They have been waiting for technology to catch up and solve this problem. With BlackBerry, our customers can now stay on top of their email wherever they go. It improves both personal productivity and workgroup collaboration."

Mobile email access has been a longstanding problem for both end users and MIS departments. Common complaints have included security concerns, constant dialing-in, incompatible hotel phone systems, lack of accessible phone jacks, bulky gear, missed messages and overloaded inboxes. BlackBerry breaks through historical barriers to address these crucial concerns and deliver a simple, economical and portable alternative.

"Research In Motion has done an outstanding job of figuring out what is important to business professionals on the go," said Andrew Seybold of the Andrew Seybold Group. "They have developed an end-to-end solution that allows you to send and receive wireless email as though you are sitting in front of your desktop PC. Having tested BlackBerry over the last couple of months, it's difficult to imagine how we survived before this system was available."

"This is core to what Exchange is all about," said Kevin Hunter, Exchange Product Manager, Microsoft Canada. "We're thrilled to see leading-edge customers such as RIM building innovative solutions on our platform. By using Exchange as a developing tool, they have optimized dependability, scalability, flexibility and security for a rock-solid internal structure."

Key Features of the BlackBerry mobile email solution:

• Advanced wireless handheld - with Intel386™ processor, 2 MB Intel Flash memory, embedded wireless modem, 2 watt transmitter, optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit screen and integrated email/organizer software; wearable size - 3.5"x 2.5" x 0.93"; operates on one AA alkaline battery.
• Single mailbox integration with MS Exchange - keep your existing email address; only one mailbox to manage; user-selectable message filters.
• Full-featured, connected organizer - includes calendar, address book, task list and alarm; synchronizes with PC using docking cradle and Puma Technology's award winning Intellisync™ software (included).
• Always On, Always Connected™ - "push model" of email delivery; no dialing in; no initiating connections; email finds the user; no effort required.
• End-to-end security - email is encrypted using Triple DES; meets corporate security guidelines; email remains encrypted at all points between desktop PC and wireless handheld.
• Nationwide coverage on BellSouth and Cantel networks - proven, reliable, nationwide networks based on Ericsson's Mobitex network infrastructure.
• End-to-end solution - including easy-to-use wireless handheld, innovative desktop software and flat-rate airtime on leading wireless networks.
• BlackBerry Enterprise Server - optional add-on server software provides centralized administration, increased scalability, enhanced performance and improved support for laptop users.

"RIM's BlackBerry email product represents yet another interactive wireless data communications solution that is backed by the power of the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network," said William F. Lenahan, President and CEO, BellSouth Wireless Data. "BlackBerry users will have seamless and reliable nationwide coverage in the U.S. with long battery life, which are keys for realizing the full benefits of accessing corporate email in a mobile environment."

"Cantel is pleased to support another innovative RIM solution on our Mobitex wireless data network" said David Neale, Vice President, New Technology of Rogers Cantel Inc., "Customers are now demanding the same convenient, remote access to email that they currently enjoy with voicemail. BlackBerry makes mobile email access a reality."

Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
As one of the world's most popular messaging platforms and the standard for the majority of Fortune 50 companies, Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 is a smart choice for any company's long-term messaging, collaboration and business-critical communications needs. Exchange Server 5.5 offers a solid messaging foundation; connectivity and co-existence; common, familiar tools for collaboration; and management and administration capabilities. With the BlackBerry solution, Research In Motion extends all of Exchange's core capabilities and benefits to the mobile user.

Pricing and Availability:

BlackBerry Subscriber Package:

The BlackBerry Solution can be ordered today and will start shipping in early February. BlackBerry Enterprise Server (optional add-on software) is currently in customer trials and is expected to be generally available at the end of this quarter.

The BlackBerry solution is distributed by select Microsoft Exchange VARs and System Integrators.

For more details, customers can visit www.blackberry.net or call toll-free 1-877-255-2377.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (TSE:RIM) is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing wireless consumer and business-to-business electronic access technology for the mobile communications market. The company's current product portfolio includes revolutionary mobile email solutions, two-way pagers, wireless personal computer card adapters and embedded radio-modems. Based in Waterloo, Ontario and listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange, Research In Motion is a knowledge-based company with proven, leading technologies. Its customers include a diverse range of major multinational companies including wireless network suppliers, original equipment manufacturers and value-added resellers. Web site address: www.rim.net.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo available on BW PhotoWire/AP PhotoExpress, PressLink and on Business Wire's Web site at www.businesswire.com

Research In Motion Delivers Wearable Wireless Device Based on Embedded Intel Architecture

Handheld Device Is Optimized For Mobile Email Access

Waterloo, Ontario

Jan 19, 1999

In a separate announcement today, Research In Motion Limited (TSE:RIM) announced the introduction and availability of BlackBerry™, a breakthrough wireless email solution for mobile professionals. As part of the BlackBerry offering, RIM introduced its newest wireless handheld device based on an embedded Intel® architecture. The BlackBerry Handheld is optimized for mobile email use and incorporates a 32-bit Intel386™ processor, 2 MB Intel Flash memory, integrated wireless modem, full keyboard, triple-DES encryption technology and email / organizer software. It is designed to be wearable, operate 24 hours per day and run on a single AA alkaline battery.

"The RIM device is an example of the ease of use, portability, security and battery life benefits that are enabled by products from the Embedded Microcomputer Division," said Tom Franz, General Manager and Vice President, of Intel's EMD division. Terry Gillett, Manager of Major Customer Programs in EMD indicated that RIM and Intel have worked together to define and develop the computing subsystem for the BlackBerry platform.

"The frequent and discontinuous nature of email usage is driving the need for a wearable, power-efficient device that can be constantly connected to the wireless network, while remaining unobtrusive to the user from both a physical and workflow perspective. Further, the confidential nature of enterprise email demands sophisticated encryption techniques that require significant processing power in the device," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO of Research In Motion. "Intel's embedded microprocessor and flash memory technology provided a powerful and reliable foundation to meet these challenging design objectives."

The BlackBerry Handheld from Research In Motion is a breakthrough in integration of computing and wireless technologies. Its design includes over 15 million transistors integrated in a small, durable form factor. It delivers a powerful processor, 2 watt transceiver, integrated internal antenna, full keyboard, LCD display and ample memory to support multiple applications and data storage, all within a small device that fits in the palm of your hand (2.5" x 3.5" x 0.93"). In addition to the handheld, the BlackBerry solution provides customers with a PC docking cradle, desktop software and a flat-rate airtime package.

About Research In Motion
Research In Motion is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing wireless consumer and business-to-business electronic access technology for the mobile communications market. The company's current product portfolio includes revolutionary mobile email solutions, two-way pagers, wireless personal computer card adapters and embedded radio-modems. Based in Waterloo, Ontario and listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange, Research In Motion is a knowledge-based company with proven, leading technologies. Its customers include a diverse range of major multinational companies including wireless network suppliers, original equipment manufacturers and value-added resellers. Web site: www.rim.net.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo available on BW PhotoWire/AP PhotoExpress, PressLink and on Business Wire's Web site at www.businesswire.com